NAVMAN GPS 3420

Recently I had the opportunity to test and use the Navman GPS 3420 (www.navmanusa.com) with a Compaq iPAQ h3970.

The package includes everything you need: the dedicated GPS receiver Expansion Pack for the iPAQ, a power adapter, a ]windshield mounting bracket, and Navman's SmartST Professional software. The Expansion Pack includes a Type II CF slot, allowing you to add a variety of cards with stored maps and other data. Unfortunately, it does not have its own battery, so if you don't use it with the DC power adapter, you can rapidly drain your iPAQ's built-in battery, especially when the backlighting is set to bright.

This is a dedicated solution and the GPS software will load only onto an iPAQ. A utility installs on your desktop PC, allowing you to download maps to the iPAQ. The package includes maps for the U.S. (excluding Alaska). According to a company spokesperson, maps for Canada and most of Europe are also available.

Installing the SmartST Professional software

Hardware installation is simple; just slip the iPAQ into the GPS Expansion Pack. The SmartST Professional software was also easy to install on my iPAQ. It took up about 5 MB of internal memory. (Note: the main program must be loaded into the iPAQ's internal memory; maps can load to the CF or SD card.) After installation, the program must be registered. The opening screen on the installation informs users of this, but it's easy to miss in the excitement of installing a new program. I did, and spent some time trying to get the thing working before I discovered my mistake. A more visible warning would be nice.

The maps are broken into regions. I loaded the maps of southern Texas (including Houston) which required 35 MB of memory. It is not possible to load a smaller portion of this map (such as Houston alone). The maps loaded easily onto my 1GB SanDisk CF card (www.sandisk.com; MSRP $299.00). If you use a card with less memory (say a 64 MB card) you will not be able to load more than one or two regions. A 128 MB card is the smallest memory card I would recommend for use with this device.

The maps did not install the first time I tried because the program defaults to the iPAQ's internal memory. The second time I noticed a dropdown box that let me choose where to store the maps. I selected the SanDisk 1GB CF card and everything then worked perfectly.

Maps and GPS satellites

Once I got the registration and map issues under control, I started the program. The standard disclaimer popped up telling me not to operate the unit while driving, and then a short tutorial was displayed on the screen. (You can opt to avoid this tutorial on future launches if you wish.). It takes about two minutes for the receiver to locate signals from the GPS satellites when you first turn it on. But after that it takes only about 30 seconds. As do other Pocket PC GPS add-on devices, Navman includes a screen that shows you how many satellites you are accessing. The maximum possible is twelve, but that is only possible if you have an unobstructed view of the sky from horizon to horizon (such as in the middle of the ocean). Typically I linked to five or six satellites, but occasionally I would have seven or eight satellites. Three satellites provide a 2-dimensional fix which is all that is needed to navigate. However, a 4th satellite connection provides a 3D fix and greatly improves accuracy.

The Navman maps are detailed and colorful, displaying restaurants and other points of interest (Screen 1). The program also shows one-way streets, traffic circles, and highway access ramps. Waterways, parks and other topography were not shown, which is unfortunate because I use those as navigation landmarks. Navman uses the Navtech data from Navigation Technologies. This is the map data that is used in all of the in-vehicle systems sold today.

Navman displays detailed and colorful maps displaying restaurants and other points of interest